Does influenza cause chills?

Chills are feelings of cold, shivering, or shaking that can happen when the body's temperature is changing. Influenza commonly causes a sudden illness with feverishness, body aches, headache, tiredness, sore throat, and respiratory symptoms. Chills may come before or during a fever and can return as the temperature changes.

Chills can also occur with other infections, exposure to cold, low blood sugar, medicine reactions, or non-infectious conditions. Their presence does not identify influenza on its own; the timing and combination of symptoms matter.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and use light layers or a blanket for comfort while shivering. Check your temperature if you feel feverish, and follow label directions or local medical advice before using fever or pain medicine. Stay home while acutely unwell and reduce close contact with others.

Contact a clinician early if symptoms are severe, you are pregnant, you have a long-term health condition, or you may benefit from antiviral treatment. Do not take antibiotics for influenza unless a clinician identifies a bacterial infection.

Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, new confusion, collapse, severe dehydration, or a marked worsening after initial improvement. Prompt advice is appropriate for a persistent high fever, severe weakness, or inability to keep fluids down.

Could this illness be influenza or another infection? Do I need testing or treatment? How can I manage fever and chills safely? Which symptoms should prompt urgent care, and when can I return to normal activities?